Mahashivratri Abhishekam: A Divine Experience

Recently, on Mahashivratri, a temple near my home performed an elaborate Abhishekam for Shri Nandikeswarar. Hundreds of devotees gathered to witness and participate in this sacred ritual. The temple priests meticulously performed the Abhishekam using turmeric, milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar, sandalwood, vibhuti, kumkum, and tender coconut. Immersed in devotion, I was mesmerized by the spiritual energy radiating from the deity and the collective faith of the devotees.

Being part of the Kauai Aadheenam community, I have the privilege of performing the Thiruvadi Puja to our Satguru Bodhinatha every month. This sacred ceremony is attended by devotees from around the world, joining virtually. Each week, one member leads the puja, using the same offerings—turmeric, milk, curd, ghee, honey, prasadam, sandalwood, vibhuti, kumkum, and tender coconut—while performing the Abhishekam to our Guru’s Thiruvadi (holy feet). The experience is deeply uplifting, not just for me but for my family and everyone participating.

Lessons from Childhood: How Rituals Shaped My Mind

As a child, my grandmother encouraged me to collect the milk offered in the sanctum sanctorum and apply it on my forehead, drink it, and sprinkle it over my head. Growing up in such a spiritually rich environment, I never questioned these practices. If you ask my siblings, they might have different experiences, but for me, these rituals were an integral part of life.

At the end of every academic year, I would write “Sri Ramajayam” 108 times and offer it at the Hanuman temple in Salem—a practice recommended by my grandparents and parents. At that time, I didn’t analyze why I did it; I simply followed with sincerity and obedience.

Decades later, I now see how these practices shaped my mind. They improved my concentration, strengthened my willpower, and instilled discipline in me.

If I ask you right now—can you write the name of your favorite deity 108 times, without using your gadgets? Most people would struggle. Distractions would creep in: Is this a waste of time? What if someone makes fun of me? Maybe I should check an Instagram reel instead. Oh, I should grab that chocolate from the fridge! This inner chatter is a reflection of our scattered focus in today’s world.

I am deeply grateful to my ancestors for guiding me on this well-lit path. Without the grace of God and Guru, none of this would have been possible.

Explaining Traditions to Gen Z and Gen Alpha

On Mahashivratri, a young girl named Sana, a 6th-standard student, sat in the temple. After a brief introduction, I asked her, “How are you, kutti? What are you doing?”

She replied, “I’m very hungry and waiting for the puja to end.”

I smiled and asked, “Do you know what’s happening here?”

With a charming innocence, she said, “Usually, when such things happen, it means it’s the birthday of a god—Ganesha, Rama, Krishna, or Shiva!”

Her response made me realize that many Gen Z and Gen Alpha children are not taught the significance of these rituals, and sometimes, even their parents lack this knowledge. I decided to explain it to her in a way she could understand.

“Do you have the internet at home?” I asked.

“Yes,” she nodded.

“How does it work?”

“We have a WiFi router, and my laptop connects to that white box to get internet,” she explained.

“Excellent! Just like your router connects you to the internet, we need murtis (idols carved from natural materials like stone, granite, gold, silver, or metal) to connect with God!”

In ancient times, people across India performed Abhishekam to their local deities as part of their daily or festival rituals. I then asked her, “Did you notice what items they used for the Abhishekam?”

She thought for a moment.

I continued, “Where does ghee come from?”

“Milk!” she answered.

“Before ghee, what do we get?”

“Butter.”

“And before butter?”

“Curd.”

“Exactly! Milk is the purest form, and it transforms into curd, butter, and ghee. Each of these has unique nourishing and medicinal properties. When we pour them over the deity and light the sacred fire, their healing properties are released into the air, purifying the surroundings and making the atmosphere vibrant and energetic.”

Breathing this purified air benefits us physically and mentally. But today, we see more medical stores and hospitals than schools and temples. What do you think is the reason?”

Our conversation continued, sparking her curiosity. The next part of our discussion will be in my next post.

Har Har Mahadev!